What are the benefits of motorization in an Environmental Services department?
In general, in any department, the immediate benefits are safety and efficiency. Because of the wide-range of services provided by EVS, there are many opportunities to realize these benefits.
Motorized carts and tugs help to prevent the repetitive push-pull injuries that can occur when routinely utilizing heavy manual carts. Accessories like barrel lifters and self-storing ramps enhance the benefits of motorization by allowing one person to do more.
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Are there specific products that you recommend for EVS departments?
Ergo Express® Motorized Carts are ideal for use in hospital environmental services departments as stand-alone platform carts, janitorial carts or customized as trash bin carts or barrel handling carts. They can help you transport your bins, biohazard containers, garbage cans and trash bags with ease.
Motorized tugs are also ideal to help you move existing wheeled trash bins or manual carts. The Ergo-Express® Tug with Universal Hitch system is ideal for moving your existing carts. This hitch requires no adaptation of your carts. Simply push down on the hitch plate with your foot and watch the Universal Hitch grab the base of your cart for effortless transport. The Universal Hitch allows you to motorize virtually anything with wheels.
Lift-O-Flex Ergonomic lifters can lift, lower, pick up or tilt almost anything. They are ideal for EVS departments, which may need to load, unload or transport biohazard barrels. Hydraulic lift tables can also help with positioning trash bins and barrels.
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Can you help us determine and demonstrate how these factors would specifically benefit our organization?
Yes, we offer a free customized risk assessment and cost analysis, which can be used to determine the benefits of motorization in your department. This information can be invaluable in your decision-making and approval processes.
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Is there a way to motorize our current carts?
Yes, your current cart or equipment can be retrofitted and mounted on a motorized platform cart. Or, a motorized tug can be used to move any of your existing carts.
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What is an “on demand” retractable drive?
The retractable drive feature on an Ergo Express® cart retracts (or lifts) the two motorized wheels off the floor with the push of a button. Much like raising the fifth wheel on a gurney, this allows the cart to have 360 degree maneuverability from the four wheels that remain on the ground. The benefit is that the cart can easily be positioned into tight treatment rooms and elevators.
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Do the carts require regular maintenance? How frequently?
The only regular maintenance is to replace the battery each year. To help you remember, a reminder letter is sent on the 11th month of each year with information on how to order a new battery. Installation is quick and easy.
Depending on usage, casters and wheels wear out – just like the tires on your car, but that is a less frequent maintenance item that varies for every department.
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Are you available if I have questions?
Yes, 24/7 technical support assistance is provided for the life of your cart. It doesn’t end when your warranty ends. You can call any time, day or night, for anything from how to turn the key to how to replace the battery.
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What safety features do your carts have?
Our carts have numerous safety features built in. These include:
- Self Braking – Immediate controlled deceleration when you release the throttle. The transaxle is locked so the cart cannot move forward or backward until you pull back on the throttle.
- In Motion Alarm with On/Off Control – Alert those around you as you move. Can also be turned off in quiet surroundings.
- Emergency Stop Switch – Also called the Emergency Brake Button. This large, blue button on the end of the controller immediately locks the brake when depressed, regardless of whether you are traveling forward or in reverse.
- Forward/Reverse Directional Control – Safety feature that forces you to cognitively decide if you are going to travel forward or in reverse.
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Phone: 888-639-5438 OR 763-498-7576 | Fax: 763-498-8128 | E-mail: info@phswest.com
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